A heartbroken girlfriend has told of her desperate bid to save her partner who drowned in North Tyneside.

Father-of-four Paul Fairley was swept under by the current near the beach at the Fish Quay in North Shields, where he had been enjoying a drink with girlfriend Sarah Hedley.

It is not yet known exactly why the 46-year-old went into the water but Sarah, partner of 14 months, jumped in after him when she noticed he was in trouble on Saturday.

Worried onlookers watched as Sarah, 30, tried to revive Paul but was he pronounced dead at hospital after medics stepped in to try and save him at the scene.

Paul Fairley, pictured holding can at bottom of photo, who died in the sea at the Fish Quay at North Shields. Pictured with friends and son Glen, far right in blue t-shirt

Sarah said: “We were just sitting having a drink and Paul went down to the water. It seemed quite shallow at first but then I saw he was in trouble.

“I jumped in after him and lifted his head above water.

“I shouted for help because I could see he wasn’t good and he was a big lad.

“I was pulling him by his hair and everything just desperately trying to get him to safety.

“When he was out of the water he was coughing up stuff he had swallowed in the water.

“I gave him mouth-to-mouth until the ambulance arrived but unfortunately he couldn’t be saved.”

North Shields Fish Quay

Elvis fan Paul, a factory worker on New York Industrial Estate, lived on Queen Street, North Shields, with mother Rose and Sarah.

He has four children with his ex-wife and his daughter gave birth to a second grandchild just a day after his death.

Family members have been paying tribute to the former student at Southlands School.

Sister Gillian Fairley, 48, said he will be a big miss to his family, while Kylie Fairley, 26, Paul’s niece, said: “You see things like this happen but never expect it to happen to you. We still can’t believe it. Everybody is devastated.”

Flowers have been left at the scene. Police say there is not believed to be any third party involvement.